Why do some people get sick after quitting smoking

The health problems that occur after quitting smoking are usually related to withdrawal symptoms, metabolic changes, or potential disease manifestations. There are mainly five reasons: withdrawal syndrome, weight gain, exposure to pre-existing diseases, psychological stress response, and immune system adjustment.

1. Withdrawal Syndrome

Sudden interruption of nicotine can cause symptoms such as headaches and anxiety in the body. Long term smokers' neurotransmitters have adapted to nicotine stimulation, and a sudden drop in dopamine secretion after quitting smoking may induce transient functional impairment. Some people may mistakenly view withdrawal symptoms as a new disease.

2. Weight gain

After quitting smoking, taste restoration may increase appetite, and reduced nicotine metabolism consumption may lead to a decrease in basal metabolic rate. Rapid weight gain may increase joint burden, and short-term fluctuations in blood lipids may reveal pre-existing metabolic problems. It is recommended to control weight by increasing dietary fiber intake and regular exercise.

III. Exposure to pre-existing diseases

The analgesic effect of nicotine during smoking may mask chronic pain, and the chemical components in tobacco may temporarily inhibit some inflammatory responses. After quitting smoking, the body regains its sensitivity to pain, and chronic inflammations such as gastritis and periodontitis may be detected. This belongs to the manifestation of a disease rather than a newly emerging disease.

4. Psychological stress response

People who rely on tobacco for long-term stress relief may experience stress reactions due to a lack of coping mechanisms after quitting smoking. Fluctuations in cortisol levels may lead to temporary immune decline, manifested as recurrent colds or oral ulcers. Establishing new stress relieving methods such as meditation can alleviate this phenomenon.

Fifth, Immune System Adjustment

Tobacco smoke continues to stimulate respiratory cilia, and after quitting smoking, the respiratory system begins to self repair. Some individuals may experience temporary exacerbation of coughing during the recovery of ciliary function, which is essentially a normal physiological process for the lungs to clear harmful substances. Usually, symptoms will naturally alleviate after 2-3 months. After quitting smoking, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and supplement with appropriate amounts of vitamin C and vitamin E to help combat oxidative stress. It is recommended to engage in 3-5 aerobic exercises per week to promote metabolism, and ensure 7-8 hours of sleep to support body repair. If there is persistent discomfort, it is necessary to seek medical examination in a timely manner to avoid confusion between withdrawal symptoms and organic diseases. Regular physical examinations can help distinguish between smoking cessation related adjustments or potential disease outbreaks. If necessary, nutritional interventions or psychological counseling can be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.